by Lisbon has a vibrant night scene, spilling over the cobbled streets of Chiado, watching the dawn come up over the Tagus River and the stars stand out from rooftops in the fragrant, warm night air. There are scares for the youth and clubs for the locals; old favorites like O Pavilhão Chinês and newcomers like Praia no Parque, where dinner flows seamlessly from cocktail to dance. But, wherever you are, Lisbon’s dark narrow streets, sparkling river and moonlit skyline have a magical, enigmatic quality that gives the night city its own character.
Below our expert shares his tips for the best bars in the city, and here you can find the rest of our Lisbon guides, including the city’s hotels, restaurants, shopping, attractions and how to spend a weekend in Lisbon.
Chiado
Meanwhile
In a city of rooftop bars, this is the best place for its views of the Lisbon skyline. It is located on the seventh floor of the Hotel do Chiado, high above the rooftops of the city and overlooking the cobbled streets of Chiado, with the Tagus River gliding slowly in the distance. Pritzker prize-winning architect Siza Vieira restored this hotel a few years ago, and the locals have since grown fonder of the new bar. Try the Pink Affair cocktail – a tantalizing mix of red fruit juice, prosecco and cointreau that’s Lisbon’s answer to Venice’s Bellini.
Contact: hoteldochiado.pt
Nearest Metro: Baixa-Chiado
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended
According to the Wine
Here, visitors have the opportunity to try more than 50 wines (by the glass or the bottle) from the cellar of the famous vintner, José Maria da Fonseca, in an attractive arched space in the center of Lisbon. The wines are accompanied by a wonderful selection of Portuguese cheeses such as the strong, creamy Azeitão, ham from acorn-fed pigs, and bread and oysters from the south of the country. Then there’s the company’s flagship sweet wine, Moscatel de Setúbal, to go with a range of cakes and puddings, making this a great place to discover the flavors of Portugal.
Contact: bythewine.pt
Nearest Metro: Baixa-Chiado
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended
Avenida da Liberdade
Sky Bar Tivoli Liberdade
The sky boasts an unmissable hotel bar, sweeping views across the city and the Tagus River beyond. Sleek and chic, there’s a lively vibe and excellent cocktails, from Pepperlines (gin, lime juice, egg white, sugar, pineapple and chilli) to the classic Aperol Spritz. Live music takes place every night courtesy of the resident DJ, with regular guest performances and other events throughout the summer. The light food plates are delicious, especially the Sky Sushi with its avocado, prawn and cucumber rolls, and try the white fish ceviche with lime and ginger.
Contact: tivolihotels.com
Nearest Metro: Avenida
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended (required for large groups)
Praia no Parque
This is Lisbon’s current hot spot, a beach-themed bar with huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake in Eduardo VII Park, hence the name – ‘beach in the park’. Green and gold in the velvet and marble interior of the previously abandoned building in the Fifties, it tempts with cocktails ranging from the Wasabi Kick (Grey Goose vodka, wasabi and lime) to the Manjerico no Parque (gin, basil, ginger and egg whites). a food menu (with a focus on steak) is also served. . A DJ plays pop and house music as well as some Eighties classics well into the wee hours on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Contact: apraia.pt
Nearest Metro: Avenida
Prices: ££
Entry: Reservations recommended
Red Frog
Inspired by America’s Prohibition-era secret bars, this is Lisbon’s take on a speakeasy, found at basement level behind a locked door and accessed by a ‘press for cocktail’ bell – you’ll know the way entered by the giant model of the red frog on the wall. Inside, the atmosphere evokes the Twenties with elegant and comfortable decorative chairs and music that ranges from jazz and swing to soul. The extensive cocktail menu, created by renowned mixologist Marian Beke, changes regularly. A private room, accessed through a wall that moves when pushed, is available for private parties.
Contact: redgfrog.pt
Nearest Metro: Avenida
Prices: ££
Principe Real
China Pavilion (O Pavilhão Chinês)
The five rooms of this extraordinary bar, which used to be a grocery store from the beginning of the 20th century, are filled with thousands of pieces of memorabilia: there are military medals, works of art, uniforms, miniature dolls and toy trains. Located in the ultra-fashionable area of Príncipe Real, this is a culture bar for Lisbonites, with a menu of more than 100 cocktails to choose from; a favorite, named after the bar, is made with rum, blue curacao, lemon juice and pineapple. A pool table is another plus. After 9pm, the door is closed and you have to ring to get in.
Contact: 00 351 21 342 4729
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 6pm-2am; Sun, 9pm-2am
Nearest Metro: Rato
Prices: £
Fox
A popular bar, somewhat similar in concept to the English pub, Foxtrot spans the seasons with a cozy Art Deco interior complete with fireplaces for winter and a garden for warm summer evenings. Neither should serving cocktails from classic whiskey sours to smoky negronis or spicy margaritas, the Foxtrot steak, with a side of chips. It is preferred by many because of its snooker and billiards.
Contact: barfoxtrot.pt
Nearest Metro: Rató
Prices: £
Alfama
Alfama memo
When that famous Lisbon light is at its most magical and you want to escape the crowds with a glass of delicious Portuguese rosé, head to this beautiful rooftop bar in Memmo Alfama, tucked away down a narrow, cobbled street in the town. the old Moorish area of the city. The hotel’s deck is a year-round delight; in winter an inviting fire pit lets you sit out under the inevitable blue skies with a plate of local smoked ham to accompany your wine, while in summer you can dangle your toes in Lisbon’s prettiest pool.
Contact: memhotels.com
Nearest Metro: Rossio
Prices: £
Entry: Reservations recommended in summer
Lux
John Malkovich is, without a doubt, the king of Lisbon’s nightclubs, and this is partly owned by John Malkovich and located in a large warehouse next to the Tagus River. An impressive interior is illuminated by spotlights and oversized glitter balls, and the music comes courtesy of the best DJs in town, not to mention the international artists who make regular appearances. Overall, this one draws the international crowd. There are often themed parties, you can go to the Lux restaurant, Bica do Sapato, next door to start the evening, and the club’s roof terrace overlooking the river is often the best spot in the city to see the sun come up.
Contact: luxfragile.com
Prices: ££
Entry: Free or door charge, depending on how busy it is inside; expect long queues
